SPRING 2021

Some Paths Lead Back Home

A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE, PARENTS, AND FRIENDS OF ST. URSULA ACADEMY Some Paths Lead Back Home

During high school, girls often dream of life after graduation. For some, it means looking forward to campus life. For others, it means landing a fantastic job so she can buy a car and be independent. For others, it means getting out of her hometown to explore the world, with nothing holding her back. Wherever her dreams take her, she has a path for the next few years.

And, after a few years—sometimes more than a few—a path that once led away from home often becomes a road beckoning one back, lit with wonderful memories of happy times.

SUA has lit a path home for many alumnae over the years. Our grads fondly remember their days in these halls, and, although their roles change when they return, they want to rekindle those feelings.

We at SUA are grateful that the grads featured in our cover story found their path back home, as we are better—and brighter—for it.

2 CONTENTS SPRING 2021

4 A Letter from the President 5 A Letter from the Principal 6 A Letter from the Board Chair 7 SUA Board of Trustees Welcomes Four New Members 8 COVER STORY: Some Paths Lead Back Home

ACADEMICS 14 Forensic Science Course New to SUA 16 Faculty Members Spend Summer Helping Future Arrows

ACTIVE ARROWS 19 The Pandemic Can’t Stop SUA Students with a Cause 21 The Merici Society Brings Christmas Cheer 22 Her Love of the Water Led to a Love of Water President 23 More Clubs Added to the Junior Academy Mary Conlisk Werner ’74 P ’01, ’03, ’05 ARTS Principal 24 The Art of Musical Theater Class Flourishes Nichole Operacz Flores ’89 P ’15, ’21 25 Tiny Door Project Brings Joy to Community EDITOR Jane Pfeifer ATHLETICS 26 LAYOUT AND DESIGN Kelsey Hills-Finucan ’04 Enters BW Athletic Hall of Fame Tess Segura 27 Athletic Signings

CONTRIBUTORS ARROWS IN FAITH Yolanda Robinson Durden ’86 P ’14 28 Alumnae Engagement Coordinator SUA Remembers Sr. Kathleen Padden 29 Arrows Get Creative with Service Projects Rita Hayes P ’26, ’28 Director of Admissions and Marketing 30 The Toledo Labre Project Perseveres through the Pandemic Michelle Moses P ’22, ’24 31 One Ursuline Ministry Closes; Other Opportunities Expand Special Events and Advancement Services Manager

Emily Otto Annual Fund Coordinator ADMISSIONS

Josh Yecke 32 Class of 2025 by the Numbers Director of Advancement ALUMNAE Special thanks 33 Alumna Profile: Maryann O’Conor ’72 Avery Kamm ’25, Cora Pearson ’26 34 SUA Receives $1 Million Planned Gift to Honor 1960 Alumna Ursula Update is published for the alumnae, 35 Alumna Profile: Erin Baker ’98 families, and friends of St. Ursula Academy. 36 The Nonprofit Track: Working for the Common Good Please direct all comments to: (419) 329-2253 | [email protected] 38 Class Notes St. Ursula Academy, 4025 Indian Rd., Toledo, OH 43606 40 In Memory of our Alumnae 41 In Memoriam ST. URSULA ACADEMY 42 Alumna Profile: Kai Perry ’98 3 A LETTER FROM MISSION STATEMENT President Founded in the Ursuline tradition Mary Conlisk Werner ’74, and rooted in the Catholic faith, St. Ursula Academy educates each young woman, transforming her through intellectual inquiry, Recently, I had an impromptu personal growth, spiritual conversation with a group of Junior formation, and compassionate Academy students. The girls were wide- service, empowering her to lead confidently in a global society. eyed and curious. “What is your job at SUA?,” they asked. “How do you get to be the President?” The questions flowed as the girls had my undivided attention. And then when I shared that I was a graduate VISION of St. Ursula Academy just about 50 years ago, after a chorus of “WHOA!,” the next St. Ursula Academy is the premier educational choice for question came. “Why did you come back young women and their parents, to work at SUA?” fostering a learning environment that develops young women of I paused and said most sincerely, wisdom, service, and faith so that each is empowered to embrace “Because of each of you.” the challenges of the world with leadership, courage, and I knew from my high school years at SUA, compassion. combined with my subsequent years of service as a Board Member and a parent Follow President Mary Werner of three SUA graduates, that the St. Ursula on Twitter @mwerner74pres. Academy experience transforms lives. The experience of developing leaders, faith, and the bonds of sisterhood, not to mention CORE VALUES our outstanding academic foundation, were in sync with my calling to be a part of Ursuline Spirituality something bigger, something bolder, and something that changes lives. Academic Excellence Service The other alumnae who work in these halls share a similar passion. Whether a teacher, Leadership principal, school counselor, alumnae engagement coordinator, or even our own Director Community of the Junior Academy, SUA gave each of us wings to fly. Those wings brought us back Openness to Change home, and we are honored to return to continue the mission of St. Ursula Academy—to Care of the Individual prepare young women for college, but most importantly, for a life of meaning. Development of the Whole Person

Soli Deo Gloria!

ALMA MATER Mary St. Ursula, St. Ursula, President our own loved Gold and Blue: Across the years of memories Our hearts go out to you. Friendships formed are cherished as years go by, Scenes of happy days; Today we sing thy praise anew, We’ll loyal be to the Gold and Blue And our own loved SUA. Give the ones you love wings St. Ursula, St. Ursula, our own loved Gold and Blue: to fly, roots to come back, Across the years of memories “ Our hearts go out to you. and reasons to stay. DALAI LAMA 4 ” A LETTER FROM Nichole Operacz Flores ’89, Principal

We love the moment our Arrows return “home” to SUA. We find that so many Arrows return home for a purpose—whether it be to tell a story, give thanks, visit faculty, or to simply remember. No matter the reason, we cherish those visits, knowing there is no place like home.

Leaving home is not easy and does not happen without vast preparation and luminous growth. As we prepare to graduate 123 Arrows from the Class of 2021, I can’t help thinking about the intentional dedication that goes into every Arrow. From the moment each one of them enters our quiver, we sharpen our Arrows in preparation for their future flights.

We take each Arrow and sharpen her with knowledge, providing her an educational experience that awakens her mind. Some of these experiences include trying a new art course or challenging herself with an Honors or Advanced Placement course. Other experiences may include competing in academic competitions, such as our STEM program or Architecture Club. Other students enjoy traveling to a different country or participating in Mock Trial.

We take each Arrow and sharpen her faith life with an awareness of the needs of others. Our Labre program is one example of the ways students respond to the needs of local people weekly with food, company, and prayer. Not only do students participate in service hours, but they also pray together during Mass, prayer services, and retreats.

We take each Arrow and sharpen her confidence with an array of leadership opportunities, both in and out of the classroom. From Student Council to the moments students have with each other in a classroom, they are learning to use their voices and their hearts.

By graduation, our Arrows are well prepared for us to pull them from the safety of our quiver, draw them back, and then let go. They have their eyes set on college and their hearts set on making a difference in the world.

What they discover later is the labor of love that was put into each one of them while she was here at SUA. They recall their fond memories and realize the challenges and celebrations that led to their own personal growth. Our Arrows return with love, gratitude, and a plethora of actions that have made our world a better place for the last 166 years.

As an alumna, Class of 1989, it has been a walk down memory lane serving as principal. My four years at SUA were filled with faith, friends, and academics. The vibrant school spirit that permeated SUA in 1989 is still very much alive and pulls at my heart every time I enter the building. I also am so grateful for the sacrifices of my parents and the vision that they had for me. Just as my parents drew me back to let me fly, this year marks a personal moment for me. My youngest daughter, Abigail, will be graduating with the Class of 2021. I, too, will be drawing my bow and sending her off into the world, knowing that she will forever call SUA “home.”

Prayers to our Class of 2021 and all our families and friends, Nichole Principal

5 A LETTER FROM BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Craig Mancinotti, Craig Mancinotti P ’09, ’12 Chair Board of Trustees Chair Lisa Strasser Krebs ’92 P ’25 Vice-Chair

Jodi Miehls P ’16 In following the theme of this issue of Treasurer Ursula Update, that “some paths lead back home,” I am compelled to draw Kristen Connelly Polizzi ’90 P ’19, ’21 out some of the work to be done in Secretary St. Ursula Academy’s 2020 Strategic Mérida Allen ’97 Plan, Making a Difference. The plan requires action for the entire school, but Timothy A. Alter P ’98, ’01 specifically articulates a few areas where we need to build and improve the roads John Amonett P ’18, ’20 that lead alumnae back to SUA. These roads will lead our alumnae home to James Bingle teach, to serve, and to give. James DelVerne P ’15, ’19, ’21 › Come home to teach— we need Lauren Deaton Dzierwa ’96 P ’27 to attract, hire, and retain the most talented, diverse, and mission- Sr. Joy Gray ’68, OSU congruent faculty, and we know that our alumnae community holds Taber Hinkle P ’17, ’19 tremendous potential for us to achieve Alison Rasmus Krieger ’95 this strategy. Tracee L. Perryman, Ph. D. ’97 › Come home to serve—we need to expand the connection of current students with alumnae through a comprehensive program of events and speakers. We know our Mary Ellen Pizza, M.D. alumnae have lived and learned lessons that they can share with our girls—and with P ’04, ’07, ’09, ’10 each other—that will enrich their perspectives. Additionally, we need our alumnae to serve on our Board and committees (welcome home, Mérida and Lauren; pg. 7), coach Kathryn Rotte P ’13 our teams, and help us network with their friends, family, and classmates, near and far. Sr. Sandy Sherman, OSU › Come home to give— we need to create a culture of philanthropy that provides Aly Sterling P ’16, ’20, ’25 alumnae with fulfilling opportunities to support SUA’s mission. We know the power of women’s philanthropy and believe SUA can offer alumnae a unique opportunity to Michael White P ’20 do the good that they want to do. It’s our responsibility to build the roads for them to do that—otherwise, our mission to educate each young woman can’t happen. Sarah Richard Zibbel ’98

I’d be remiss to not thank the alumnae who are already teaching, serving, and giving, as

each of you lay the foundation for our new roads. We’re still in the early months of preparing and building these roads that lead home, Mary Conlisk Werner ’74 P ’01, ’03, ’05 but our faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees are working on them every day. As we President continue to take action on Making a Difference, if you notice a road home to SUA, take Nichole Operacz Flores ’89 P ’15, ’21 it. It will make a difference for you and for our girls. Principal

Craig Board of Trustees Chair ST. URSULA ACADEMY IS SPONSORED BY THE URSULINE SISTERS OF TOLEDO 6 SUA Board of Trustees Welcomes Four New Members

MÉRIDA ALLEN ’97 is the Associate Dean of Students and Executive Director for Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center at the University of Dayton. She recently joined SUA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Mérida earned a bachelor’s degree in Education and Communication from the University of Toledo, before going on to earn a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, as well as a graduate certificate in Communication Studies, from the University of Toledo. She is currently a doctoral student at the University of Dayton in the Education Leadership Program, with a concentration in Higher Education. Mérida will provide tremendous wisdom and perspective as the Board works toward enhancing its efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion planning and action.

JAMES BINGLE has been a Senior Trust Advisor at Fifth Third Bank since 2017. Jimmy is a Toledo native with more than eight years of experience in fiduciary services, estate planning, and probate administration. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio University before attending University of Toledo College of Law, from which he graduated in 2012. Jimmy is married to Katy Kurz ’03 and has a daughter (a future Arrow) and two sons. Jimmy’s passion for Catholic education has been an important part of his life since kindergarten. He will be able to help continue that enthusiasm in SUA’s mission.

LAUREN DEATON DZIERWA ’96 is the Chief Financial Officer/Partner of Laibe Electric/Technology. Lauren is part of the Advancement Committee of the Board, as well. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics from Bowling Green State University. She holds certifications in Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) and National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Lauren has received two community awards: ProMedica Health System Young Philanthropist of the Year in 2016 and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Woman of the Year in 2018. Lauren and her husband, David, are the parents of Abbey ’27 (one of SUA’s newest Arrows) and Evan. She is a proud SUA alumna and wants to continue using her financial and fundraising expertise to help move SUA’s mission forward.

MICHAEL WHITE is the owner of Buckeye Real Estate Group. He has been building homes since 1994. Mike has also built numerous commercial buildings in the area. Buckeye Real Estate Group has been chosen for the fourth year in a row to build the 2021 St. Jude Dream Home. Mike attended the University of Toledo and graduated with a marketing degree from the College of Business. He is married to Anne (30 years) and has four children: Jacob, Jason, Aaron, and Ellie ’20. Mike strongly believes in single-sex Catholic education. 7 Some Paths Lead Back Home

by JANE PFEIFER, Editor

Two of St. Ursula Academy’s many beloved teachers—two with really “fun” classes—are alumnae who found a path back home after graduation. One never strayed too far and had a clear idea of what she wanted to do; the other ventured far away, then made a life-altering change that brought her back to SUA. Both exemplify SUA spirit and confidence; they are great examples to their students of what it means to be an Arrow through and through.

AMY MUSZYNSKI HOME IS (“MISS M”) ’04 is one of St. Ursula the outrageous teacher who made them Academy’s true “characters.” With a loving, laugh and definitely formed an impression. larger-than-life personality and hilarious WHERE THE sense of humor, she immediately draws Most of the students know that Miss M is students to her. Visitors (“Arrows for a Day”) an alumna—her love for SUA is obvious, SOFTBALL who spend an hour in her class rave to their and she certainly shares her stories of her parents about “Miss M.” Seniors who had days at SUA with them throughout the her as sixth graders still show up in her semester. Surely, they know she is a state DIAMOND IS classroom after school, just for a chat. She championship softball player (2004); she knows everything about all of them. She’s is so proud of that victory. But they might 8 SOME PATHS LEAD BACK HOME now, though, it has been such a blessing reconnecting KELSIE LaVALLEY ’08, with all my previous teachers, and it feels like a full circle. School Counselor They helped me so much to get where I am today, and now I can do the same for my students. After SUA, Kelsie LaValley ’08 attended Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio, and studied Middle “It feels so good to be back, Childhood Education. She graduated and I feel blessed to be able to in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts and walk these halls as a member her licensure in Language Arts and Reading, Reading, and Some Paths Social Studies for grades 4-9. of the SUA community!” Her first teaching job was taking over her older sister “I find myself reflecting on my own high school experiences Alyssa’s maternity leave for her first-grade class. After often, especially when I am with my freshman and seniors. a few years of teaching, Kelsie left to earn her master’s It is such a transitional time, and I can remember how degree at the University of Toledo, from which she exciting and challenging those years were. I reflect often Lead Back Home graduated in 2017 with a Master of Arts in the Counselor on how SUA was a huge component in shaping me as a Education program, specializing in School and Clinical student, professional, and community member.” Mental Health Counseling. Kelsie’s grandma Judy (Taylor) Hood, mom Kristine Kelsie made her way back to SUA when she completed (Hood) LaValley, two sisters, many aunts, and cousins all her last semester of her internship for school counseling. attended SUA. “This community has always felt like home!” “At first, it was a little strange adjusting to my high school teachers now being my colleagues. Looking back on it

not know about all the work she has put in By junior year, the team was the district over the years behind the scenes, especially runner-up. But that wasn’t good enough during the time when the Junior Academy for the rising seniors, who were determined was just a dream. to do better the next season. Amy said, “We all met and decided ‘we are going A Catholic girl from the get-go, Amy to win it all this year.’ We got some new attended St. Rose before coming to SUA. talent, it was our coach’s last year, and we Older sister Jill graduated from SUA in knew we were the perfect group to win the 2000, but it was more the academic rigor championship.” They “totally understood and the softball program and its coach what it took to win—and we also didn’t that drew Amy to SUA than the legacy of want our season to end.” her sister. Her friends and teammates were mostly going to Perrysburg High School, So, at the end of Amy’s senior year, with but she wanted more. And more she got. all the other senior challenges going on She made varsity softball as a freshman, so (exams, senior project, graduation, grad she ended up as a four-year letter winner. parties, and playoffs), the girls focused and During her freshman-year season, she was a kept on winning. Eventually, they did make starting pitcher and traveled with the team it to the final four in Ashland, Ohio. The to a tournament in Nashville. She managed championship game—SUA vs. Uniontown to squeeze in playing freshman basketball Lake—was a nail-biter until the sixth in the winter, too. inning, when SUA hit a little grounder to the shortstop, who couldn’t make the play As the next few years rolled by, softball in time. Amy scored to tie the game at 1. (and academics) took over her life: Then her teammate, showing no attempt conditioning, hanging out with her friends to slow down, barreled into home to score on the team, practicing, getting ready for another run. SUA won 2-1, securing its games. But her hard work paid off. first state championship in softball.

SOME PATHS LEAD BACK HOME 9 When asked about her most cherished memory of SUA, one might think Miss M would say her state championship win. And she does...but she immediately adds something ASHLEY GIBEL that is equally near and dear to her heart: the fact that she helped develop and has been part DIEBALL ’08, of the Junior Academy since its inception. Theology Faculty Ashley Gibel majored in musical Obviously, Amy didn’t go directly from her theatre at Bowling Green State graduation to working at SUA. Well, in University after she graduated a way she did. She attended University of from SUA. But by her junior year, she felt a true Toledo to earn her teaching degree; because “call back home to SUA,” which hit her during the SUA coaches and athletic director knew an acting class. “I could feel God calling me to a she was in town, they asked her to coach different path in life, or rather, to take a turn on the the freshman softball team the spring after path He had already laid before me, because the she graduated. Amy agreed, although it was time developing my skills in the arts was certainly a bit “awkward” to be a player one year and valuable, as I still use those skills in music ministry a coach the next. But she loved being back today. After saying ‘yes’ to God’s call, I changed my major and graduated from BGSU with a Bachelor of with the team and on the SUA field. Science in Education. I immediately started working Amy earned her bachelor’s degree in towards my Master of Arts degree in Theology, in Education with a middle school social hopes of one day returning to St. Ursula to teach.” She graduated with her master’s degree in 2016. studies emphasis from the University of Toledo. She subbed at St. Rose, her former Ashley had just finished her first year of master’s elementary school, then added Assistant degree classes at Lourdes University when she Athletic Director at SUA to her resume, received a call that St. Ursula needed a theology then became a part-time teacher at SUA, teacher, and her name was the first to come to all while coaching and working behind the mind. “It was surreal returning! It felt like I had scenes to help launch the Junior Academy. never left.” “Having been back for a while, I occasionally The JA was officially established during reflect on my own high school experience, but Amy’s second year teaching at SUA. She we’re living in a different time now. Our Arrows knew she wanted to be part of it from the experience high school through a completely minute she heard about it. Her first year in different lens. However, the Arrow sisterhood and the JA, she taught social studies, computers, SUA community are timeless, no matter the decade study skills, and physical education. Now, or century.” she is an integral part of the JA, as the only teacher who has been there from the beginning. She teaches social studies mainly “I still vividly remember my last and, occasionally, a different class or two. time driving out of the SUA Amy now drives to school each morning parking lot after graduation with her niece, Kailyn Blakeman, who is a practice! I was in tears, but I junior. “It makes me feel old; she was just six knew SUA would always be when we started the JA.” Kailyn’s mom, Jill, home, and I was confident that is Amy’s older sister, making Kailyn a second- I would be back some day.” generation Arrow. Amy’s younger sister, Dr. Ashley Muszynski, graduated in 2007. SUA is clearly in the Muszynski/Blakeman family’s blood.

And Amy is the model for Arrow pride. “SUA will always be my home. I’m so involved. This school means so much to me; I’m fully invested in it. I spend more hours here than at my own home.”

10 SOME PATHS LEAD BACK HOME After graduating from SUA, Kirsten that, she earned a role in “Grease,” and made a beeline to Manhattan to study she began a whirlwind tour of the U.S., I WOULD at the American Music and Dramatic performing in 47 states, in auditoriums of Academy (AMDA). While her living all sizes. Sometimes, when performing in (DRIVE) FIVE accommodations were less than ideal (“the bigger cities, famous stars took a role in the apartment building was transitioning from production, so she worked with the likes of a mental health facility to a “dorm,” but Frankie Avalon and Chubby Checker. HUNDRED it was about 50/50 when I was there,” she said) and she was still 17 years old, she Daily life traveling between cities on a embraced the learning at AMDA. In her crowded bus was fun, but challenging. If MILES... fourth quarter there, she auditioned for— the cast had a few days in one city, Kirsten and got—a role in “Mame,” which was and her friends could explore. But that being produced in Hilton Head, S.C. After didn’t happen too often. KIRSTEN KEDZIERSKI HINSHAW ’00 decided her path back to SUA would be circuitous, winding, and unexpected. And that’s okay, because Kirsten is one of the most creative, outgoing, and gregarious people one could ever meet. An actress through and through, she would probably never take the easy road anywhere—that would be too boring. Instead, her path took her through all 50 states; along the way, she performed in a few regional shows, attended a Costa Rican wedding that changed her life, lived in 15 Kirsten playing Jesus and being carried by apostles in apartments, and finally moved back to her the SUA musical Godspell during her sophomore year. hometown of Toledo.

SOME PATHS LEAD BACK HOME 11 After one year, she had to decide on who were hearing-impaired or blind, or became a reality. Kirsten has now been back another path: renew her contract or take who had behavioral or sensory issues. at SUA since 2014 and has directed six full- on a new role in the tour of “Fame,” Although she loved her job, Kirsten and scale musical productions (her seventh was where she would be an assistant company Scot decided to move to Chicago, a new cancelled by the pandemic). manager and have a slightly more flexible city for both of them. schedule, with an “out clause” in her Kirsten’s favorite classes to teach are “The contract. She went into management, but In Chicago, Kirsten, who had fallen in love Art of Musical Theater” and, surprisingly, soon after left and moved to Los Angeles. with the idea of teaching while working at “JA Financial Literacy.” She loves being Although she hated the city and quickly the Kennedy Center, started in on getting back in a single-gender atmosphere, as it moved back to New York, she ended up a college degree online—and finished it in makes her remember what she loved about becoming great friends with her roommate, only two years, taking loads of credit hours SUA as a student: “I just liked that we could even attending her wedding in Costa at a time. She holds a Communication be ourselves and not worry about others.” Rica, at which Kirsten met her husband, and World Culture bachelor’s degree from She is also reminded of how nice it was to who was attending a completely different the City University of New York. She had be so close to her Arrow sisters. “My class wedding at the same resort. a baby two weeks after she completed her was so supportive of each other; we were degree (Parker ’31, a future Arrow). absolutely dedicated to each other. I love By 23, Kirsten was tired of NYC and the when I see that in students these days, too.” daily grind of auditioning, so she moved Another move came along, this time to to Washington, D. C., where her now- Ann Arbor, Mich. A surprise call from husband lived. She found a great job in arts Mary Werner, who had just become education at the Kennedy Center, where president of SUA, led to a conversation she worked with teachers to help them about joining the SUA faculty and directing make lessons more inclusive for students the school musical, which eventually

and just being in these halls makes ELLEN LOEFFLER you feel alive!,” Kalinoski said.

KALINOSKI ’77, “It’s so interesting to see how similar, but different, the Visual Arts Faculty girls of today are. I feel many of them are more focused on their goals and future than we were, yet so many of Ellen attended University of Dayton our experiences are the same: friends, yearbook, dances, after graduating from SUA; there, sports, and many other activities.” she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Commercial Design and attended a summer study abroad In reminiscing about her time at SUA with her Arrow program. She worked as an art director in Dayton, then sisters, Kalinoski said, “SUA gave us a strong foundation moved back to Toledo, where she became the designer/ and shared experiences that continue to grow each year. photographer for a hospital. After working as an art We have so many funny stories and experiences that we director at a local advertising agency, she started her still laugh about today!” own design and photography business.

“When my oldest daughter was a junior at SUA, the The friendships I made as a principal and president approached me about teaching “ photography. I had never taught before, but soon found student at SUA have continued over I enjoyed it and loved connecting with the girls in a class the years, and these women are still that they were excited about and eager to learn. Being my closest friends today.” back among the young ladies is invigorating and exciting,

12 SOME PATHS LEAD BACK HOME YOLANDA ROBINSON DURDEN ’86, P ’14 JENNIFER ROBERTSON GUZMAN ’95, P ’15 Alumnae Engagement Coordinator Director of the Junior Academy Program

“SUA traditions are a part of my daily “Returning to SUA has reenergized my work routine. I start with prayer, share sense of purpose and renewed my passion announcements of recognition and for education. Working alongside some of words to motivate, and reflect on ways my favorite high school teachers has given individuals in our community can be part me a greater appreciation for the positive of something meaningful. I look to shine impact they had on my life. I hope to pass a light on our personally accomplished along the same support and empowering SUA graduates. I am blessed.” confidence to our current Arrows.”

HOLLY SHIPLE MARTENS ’05, ROXANNA FAIR ’13, Director of Finance Maintenance

“Walking back into halls brought back a “I’m so happy to be back at SUA! Every flood of happy memories, but the best day, I’m able to experience the same part was I got to have SUA’s delicious, encouraging and supportive environment frosted sugar cookies once again!!” I had as a student. I feel so fortunate to say I love where I work!”

MARY FONDREN-BEAKAS ’82, P ’18 (x2) Main Office Receptionist MARY CONLISK WERNER ’74, P ’01, ’03, ’05 President “Being back home at SUA, I feel a sense of warmth, a strong community “Over the years, SUA was never far from of faith, and sense of belonging. I my heart. But being back home confirmed love reconnecting with my roots and why it was never far. The same intangible strengthening friendships from years spirit of joy, sisterhood, and academic gone by. excellence still lives in these halls. Soli deo Gloria remains the foundation!” As alumnae, we take great pride in our school, and we can relate to the traditions and know the value of an Ursuline education. Our hearts go out to BOO ANDERSON HENSIEN ’73, P ’06 you, Arrow Sisters!” Main Office Receptionist

“Wow, what does it feel like to be back home? It feels like I have my favorite SUSAN STRUGALSKI MORELL ’66, pair of PJs on, and I could not be more Maintenance comfortable!”

Susan was too busy keeping our school ship-shape to share a memory! But no one wears more SUA spirit shirts than Susan! NICHOLE OPERACZ FLORES ’89, P ’16, P ’21 Principal

“Returning to SUA reminded me of the strong faith I developed during my time REBECCA ALEXANDER MEHRING ’94, P ’22 here. It also gave me the chance to share ASP Clerk, Women in Leadership Faculty more memories with my own two girls, who are Arrows themselves.” “What a blessing and life-changing experience it has been being back home at SUA. I have the beautiful gift of working with some of my past incredible teachers who had such a profound mark on my being.

We have such a strong faith-filled presence here that I am blessed to absorb every day. There’s no place like home.”

SOME PATHS LEAD BACK HOME 13 Forensic Science Course New to SUA by RITA HAYES, Director of Admissions and Marketing

New to SUA this year is a Forensic Forensic Science course to juniors and anthropology, entomology, psychology, Science course that has quickly become a seniors. This semester, she is teaching and computer science. It also requires student favorite. another fully enrolled section of the course. mathematics skills and exposes students to Enrollment has only increased for next criminology and criminal justice. Perhaps the biggest inspiration for the year, with possibly three sections being course came from alumna Tonya Wiggins offered throughout the year. Kara said student feedback, as well as Rider ’86 sharing her knowledge of the including students in the process of selecting field. Rider visited SUA in 2018 and In class, students explore a wide variety of topics for discussion and choosing class 2019 to explain her experience as a science techniques that are used to analyze activities, helps improve the course. The former detective with the Toledo Police crime scene evidence, including numerous students’ input allows Kara to continually Department and her current role as a physical evidence investigation activities, incorporate content that is exciting professor of criminal justice at Bowling such as DNA fingerprinting, latent print and engaging. Green State University. She has also discovery, presumptive drug testing, appeared on the true crime series Cold chromatography, handwriting analysis, The course concludes by touching on social Justice—a show in which real-life criminal blood typing, blood stain pattern analysis, justice and the Innocence Project. The class cases are re-examined. hair and fiber analysis, and impressions discusses historic court cases that have had identification. For example, students apply a profound impact on the US criminal Following these visits, growing student physics and mathematics to learn how the justice system. interest in a Forensics course at SUA patterns in a blood splatter can provide further contributed to Dr. Kara Kile’s details about the timeline of events and desire to create the course. tell the story of the way a crime may have occurred. Finally, students experience [The course] simulated crime scenes to determine what incorporates an happened through crime scene investigation and reconstruction. Students work in teams impressive amount of to secure the scene, identify and photograph science and technology evidence, collect evidence, interview disciplines...it also witnesses, and create crime scene sketches. requires mathematics In addition, the students look further skills and exposes into career opportunities in both forensic students to criminology science and criminal justice. Throughout and criminal justice. the course, they draw connections to well- known criminal cases. A variety of hands- on or demonstrated lab activities further Kara, SUA faculty member and science the students’ understanding of topics. department chair, shared that students in her Fall 2019 Anatomy and Physiology Students also explore relevant topics course showed a great deal of interest in throughout the course, such as the CSI forensics. This interest, along with Kara’s effect, criminal behavior analysis, digital multidisciplinary science background forensics, death investigation, eyewitness in biomedical engineering, generated testimony, and facial composites. momentum for the new course offering. One of the aspects of the course that Kara went to work creating the course is unique is the way it incorporates outline, which was enthusiastically an impressive amount of science and supported by SUA’s academic leadership technology disciplines, including biology, team. In fall 2020, she offered the first chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology,

14 ACADEMICS Forensic Science“ is one of my favorite classes I have taken at SUA. It isn’t a required class, yet I would say that everyone should take it. From case studies to labs, I have learned so much in a short amount of time. My favorite part of the class is researching cases (both old and recent) and determining who I think the suspect is based on the given evidence. Forensic Science is such an interesting topic and is definitely the highlight of my day!

KALEENA SIERS ’21 ”

ACADEMICS 15 Faculty Members Spend Summer Hours Grading AP Exams to Help Future Arrows

While many teachers take a well-deserved summer break, a few take advantage of the option to read Advanced Placement (AP) exams—with the altruistic reason of learning more about the test, which will, in turn, help them teach their students more about what to expect the next year when taking their own tests. Although the pandemic turned this convocation of readers—a wonderful place to meet with peers from around the country—into a Zoom experience last summer and this summer, readers still learned all they could about the test itself and the grading nuances.

Dr. Violeta Padron, We had been eating breakfast at around place throughout the day. Readers are World Language the same time in the same room all week expected to contribute between four and and never saw each other! Usually about eight (or more) hours per day. Usually, Why she does it: “I 1700 readers are on site for the AP language readers would travel from all over the wanted to know more readings, so this is not that unusual!” country to gather at a single location, about the College where grading would take place in person.” Board expectations and parameters for the AP Spanish exam so I could Dr. Kara Kile, Science Brandi Sharlow, Social Studies bring that information back Why she does it: “I hope to SUA. Being an AP reader has made me to use this reading Why she does it: “I chose a much better AP teacher.” experience in AP to become a reader for AP A little loco: “When I tell people I spend Biology in guiding my Research to better my seven days, six-to-seven hours a day, in the course development, in instruction of the course. summer grading high school AP Spanish particular those elements Learning how the exam is exams, they think I am crazy!!! One year, I that are intended to foster scored and how the rubric graded 783 essays. That is more than 100 exam preparedness in my students. I hope is implemented year to year essays a day!!!” to rotate my experience next year and has been extremely valuable in teaching participate in the AP Computer Science AP Research.” Years grading AP exams: four reading program to aid in developing Big job: our growing Computer Science course “The exam for AP Research is an Small world: “At the grading site a few years offerings at St. Ursula Academy.” approximately 5,000-word academic paper ago, I ran into an old friend from graduate from a year-long research project. I score school whom I had not seen in a long time, The experience:“The event is scheduled about three or four per hour.” but it was at breakfast on my very last day! for seven days in June, with grading taking

16 ACADEMICS Just checkin’ to see if you were paying attention: “As I was reading the literature review of one paper last year, I could tell it was excellent. It was so professionally written and the argument was synthesized flawlessly. As I reached the methodology section of the paper, I continued to be impressed with the concise, academic, and meticulous method description, rationale, and implementation. Then I reached the section on the experiment; the student wrote at the point of testing Caitlin Shawaker, Art History microplastics that he or she “sacrificed the clams,” indicating the dissection of In her own words: “Last year, my AP Art clams to analyze microplastics absorbed History proposal was chosen as a main in the water. It was so casually embedded conference session for the 2020 Annual in the paper I could not stop rereading AP Conference in Boston, Mass. Because it and laughing. But overall, just seeing of the pandemic, however, the conference extraordinary research done by these young was canceled, and the possibility of students is remarkable!” presenting this year is still up in the air.

My workshop proposal, “Art Is a Performance: Igniting Kinesthetic Learning in AP Art History,” focuses on Chrissy Rode, English engaging students through movement and improvisation.

Why she does it: “I was My workshop plan promoted kinesthetic learning as a young teacher, and I a strategy and vehicle for better engagement and wanted to understand retainment of the AP Art History curriculum. Participants how I could help my would reflect and understand how mindful, kinesthetic students do better on learning strategies statistically increase memory retention and mastery of content. the AP Literature test. I knew the students who One game is formatted like the TV show, The Bachelorette, were sitting in front of me in class were where contestants compete for their one true love. One talented. I just wanted to see if knowing student is named the Bachelorette, Venus (from the more about the test itself would help me Botticelli painting, The Birth of Venus). The other students help them get higher scores.” choose compatible male artworks to act as contestants. Beforehand, students complete a contextual analysis essay Speed racer: “I can score about 30 essays to prepare for the presentation. During the presentations, an hour, as I don’t have to write comments. Venus introduces herself (age, job, hobbies, perfect date); I work eight- or nine-hour days each year, then, the contestants introduce themselves, all justified so I grade about 1500 essays and back-read with visual and contextual details from the chosen (read previously graded essays), bringing artworks. Then, contestants may “call out” one competitor me to about 2000 for the week.” to make themselves seem like the better option. Students must think on the spot and get creatively saucy! In the Years grading AP exams: 19 end, Venus chooses her one true love with a gifted rose, and everyone has had an in-depth review of the artworks.” Go Arrows!: “About 20 times, I have graded my own students’ essays! I have started to read an essay, thought, “Hey, that sounds like something I might have said,” and looked at the back of the book only to find our school code. Each time, I have told the room leaders and had other people back-read my scores. I can say that the national readers are often very impressed by our students.”

ACADEMICS 17 Senior Jayla Russell Won’t Limit Herself

Jayla Russell’s future is filled with possibilities. The senior has currently been accepted to 27 universities across the county. She has earned more than $2 million in college scholarships to date.

Jayla set a goal for herself—to go to college for free. She did not want her parents to carry the financial burden of college. She has certainly reached that goal through, as she said, “determination to do it and staying focused.” She constantly works to maintain her 4.5 GPA, as well as involves herself in activities.

Currently, her top choices for schools are The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Johns Hopkins University. Wherever she chooses to go, Jayla will study to be a physician’s assistant.

Jayla wants younger Arrows to know that they should never limit themselves; she set her mind on a goal and met it, and she wants others to know they can, too.

Three Seniors Earn Commended Student Status from PSAT

OLIVIA LeBLANC Seniors Olivia LeBlanc, Elizabeth Newsom, and Kate Reimer were named Commended Students in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program last fall.

Approximately 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation were recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Commended Students placed among the top 50,000 scorers of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2021 competition by taking the 2019 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

“Those being named Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success,” a spokesperson for NMSC said. “These students represent a valuable ELIZABETH NEWSOM national resource; recognizing their accomplishments, as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”

KATE REIMER 18 ACADEMICS The Pandemic Can’t Stop SUA Students with a Cause

The annual Breast Cancer Bowl was not held in October last year because of the pandemic. The flag football event in conjunction with other area schools raises money and awareness for breast cancer research. But this disappointment did not stop one SUA student from ensuring that she and her Arrow friends still raised money for an important cause.

Elizabeth Stout ’23 presented an idea to Student Council to raffle tickets for balloons. Student Council members and moderators were in favor of her idea. Just a week and a half later, the event took place.

The first all-school event of the year allowed students to purchase tickets for inflated pink balloons. Some balloons just had air inside, while others had a small scroll with a prize. Prizes included items such as Target gift cards. Students popped their balloons to see if they were a lucky winner.

Balloons were $2 each to purchase, and the prizes were donated. In just that short week and a half, the students raised nearly $2,000 to donate to the Victory Center.

Lissa Guyton, 13abc news reporter, visited SUA to learn more about the event. Breast cancer research is personal to both Lissa and Elizabeth. Elizabeth’s mom, Margaret Guyton Stout, passed away from breast cancer when Elizabeth was only seven. She was also Lissa’s sister.

Elizabeth feels it is important to raise both money and support. And that is just what she did.

Student Council representatives prepare balloons for the Breast Cancer Awareness event. ACTIVE ARROWS 19 On Friday and Saturday, Feb. 12 and 13, and March 5 and 6, the majority of SUA’s faculty and staff were blessed to receive COVID-19 vaccines. Thanks to the diligence of the leadership team, SUA was included in the “mass vax” event.

20 ACTIVE ARROWS Todd Richard P ’21 The Merici Society Brings Earns Volunteer Christmas Cheer to Award

Each year, the Association Faculty and Staff of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) holds National by RITA HAYES, Director of Admissions and Marketing Philanthropy Day to celebrate altruism and its contribution to communities across the country. The Northwest Ohio The Merici Society, SUA’s parent organization, helped make Christmas merry for SUA’s chapter called for nominations faculty and staff this year. Typically, The Merici Society would host a luncheon for of outstanding volunteers Christmas. The members were not able to do so this year because of COVID-19 protocols. who make a difference in local The Merici Society still wanted to extend a special thank you to faculty and staff who have organizations. SUA proudly taught and supported the Arrows, five days a week, in-person, this school year. nominated Todd Richard for the They reached out to all SUA parents and requested monetary donations. The response Volunteer Recognition Award. they received was overwhelming.

With the money raised, a Christmas wonderland was set up for faculty and staff to walk through and receive their gifts. The Society generously gave the faculty and staff gifts that ranged from lottery tickets to individual charcuterie boards to Amazon gift cards and much more, at each station.

The excitement was palpable as each new group entered the wonderland, and faculty and staff couldn’t believe the plethora of gifts they received.

SUA parents, once again, proved that they are one of the school’s biggest supporters.

Todd has been instrumental in developing and running SUA’s Parent Ambassador Society during the last three years. The purpose of this parent To have“ gifts that group is to support admissions events and be ambassadors a wide range of in the community by sharing people of different their daughter’s experience. Todd has been a smiling face ages, genders, to greet prospective parents and backgrounds at 8th grade visitation, Open House, information sessions, would appreciate and Preview Days. He is also a and treasure is no member of The Merici Society. small feat! Todd and his wife, Lisa (Fretti) ’82, have senior Maria at SUA. Although Maria will CAROLINE JARDINE, graduate this May, the entire Art Teacher Richard family will definitely continue to support SUA.

Congratulations and thank you, Todd! ” ACTIVE ARROWS 21 Her Love of the Water Led to a Love of Water

Lily Schwartz ’21, a member of the Ohio For Schwartz, her sailing hobby led to a passion for conservation. Department of Natural Resources “I think by introducing people to the beauty and wonder of Lake (ODNR) Conservation Teen Advisory Erie at a young age, you can instill a passion for keeping it clean,” Council (ConTAC), has a passion for Schwartz said. “My dream for the lake is to eliminate plastic preserving and protecting Ohio’s waters. pollution and keep it clear for everyone who wants to spend time on the water,” she said. Schwartz and the other high school students on ConTAC “act as the voice of Ohio’s youth to ODNR and help expand the reach, impact, and quality of the agency’s youth initiatives. “ I think by introducing people to Members develop innovative and practical ideas that empower the beauty and wonder of Lake young people to protect and preserve Ohio’s natural resources, Erie at a young age, you can instill provide feedback, and make recommendations to enhance outdoor outreach. Council members also get the chance to a passion for keeping it clean. explore careers in the natural resources sector and develop valuable ” networking and leadership skills,” according to the Commission. LILY SCHWARTZ ’21

Why WE Give

“Doing something that would benefit the girls, and at the same time protect and preserve the environment, felt like a great way for us to give a gift that is in-line with our values. We never could have imagined how important the bottle fill stations would be this year while health and safety measures required students to not use drinking fountains, but we’re proud that our support has helped St. Ursula in this way.”

MELANIE AND ANDREW JEFFREY P ’20, ’22

Learn more about giving in-line with your values and supporting girls at SUA by contacting Josh Yecke at [email protected] or (419) 329-2277.

22 ACTIVE ARROWS More Clubs Added to the Junior Academy by CORA PEARSON ’26, Junior Academy Student

The JA Director, Mrs. Guzman, sent out a survey earlier in the school year to the students of the JA, asking their opinions on what clubs should be held this year. After looking over student responses, she decided that the clubs that were going to be hosted include Art Club, Student Council, Writing and Skit Club, Diversity Club, Just Dance Club, and Anime Club.

In Just Dance Club, all the participants get together and play the popular game, “Just Dance.” During the game, the players try to follow along with the characters on the screen as they dance to popular songs. The club’s host, Ms. Sharlow said, “Just Dance Club is a fun outlet for students to release energy, anxiety, and tension, and to express themselves through music and dance.”

The Art Club is being hosted this year by Ms. Shawaker, an art teacher at SUA. Ms. Shawaker said the club has done a variety of art projects and a few short skits or bits of improv. The club is also open to virtual learners, who may pick up all the supplies they need at the school and then use Zoom to follow along with the other participants.

According to the members of the Anime Club, they get together to do trivia, draw, compare characters, and even watch anime. The club also likes to get together just to have a space to talk about their favorite shows with no judgement!

Dakota Strong, an 8th grader at the JA said, “Diversity Club helps bring more diversity to the school and a confidential area to talk about racism in our school.” According to Dakota, the girls in this club have talked about topics such as racism, feminism, and stereotypes.

JA Student Council has done so much to help our school this year. Mia Hasty, a 7th grader, said some of the activities they have planned are dress down days, events for Intramurals, and some fun for Catholic Schools week, such as sending cards to other Catholic schools in the area! Mia said they also helped organize a JA “preview day” for possible new students next year.

Being a member of the Writing and Skit Club is a way for students to practice skills such as acting and script writing. Maddie Gill, a 7th grader, said the members of the club split into groups and each have their own skit to prepare. The skits are about two- to five- minutes long and even include fun props and costumes.

The JA is so great academically, and the addition of more fun clubs this year made it even better socially.

ACTIVE ARROWS 23 The Art of Musical Theater Class Flourishes

When a girl’s gotta sing, a girl’s gotta sing—unless, of course, a worldwide pandemic keeps her from doing so.

This year, SUA girls who love to sing faced so many disappointments. The musical was cancelled, the Art of Musical Theater and Bella Voce classes were delayed until the second semester, and any singing that could happen was from behind a mask. But, true to their strength and resolve, the Arrows overcame their setbacks. By semester two, a strong group of singers was enrolled in The Art of Musical Theater and singing their hearts out every Friday to an appreciative (but small) audience. The girls rehearsed their solos all week in masks, but on Friday, as long as every fan and fellow classmate was far, far away, they could belt out their songs. And, as an added challenge, Mrs. Hinshaw, the Director of Performing Arts and their teacher, upgraded the class to honors-level— the girls had to be in charge of lights, sound, video, and costumes for their Friday Evelyn Maloney ’22 performs “Rose’s Turn” performances. Parents could not attend, sadly, but Mrs. Hinshaw made sure they from Gypsy during The Art of Musical received a videotaped version each week. At the end of the quarter, the girls could sing Theater class. for two audience members in a special performance. Overall, the students felt creatively fulfilled, even in the time of a worldwide pandemic.

SOLI DEO GLORIA Eighth-grader Avery Kamm has such a unique style of illustration—we were thrilled Avery Kamm ’25 that she created this piece just for Ursula Update!

24 ARTS Tiny Door Project Brings Joy to Community

Last spring, when students at SUA were learning from home, Caitlin Shawaker, a fine arts teacher, introduced the girls to the “Tiny Door Project” in her Ceramics course. The project was inspired by the tiny doors in Ann Arbor that have always caught Caitlin’s eye.

In this project, students choose a location that means something to them and then recreate its door with clay. The tiny door is then placed at that location. Caitlin thought that, when people felt stuck inside, this fun activity would allow an opportunity to get out to explore and find the tiny doors.

The project was such a hit that “season two” of the “Tiny Door Project” was introduced to her Ceramics students this year. That added about 30 doors to locations around Maumee, Sylvania, and the greater Toledo area.

One of Caitlin’s students created a map to help people find all the tiny doors. Kate Ortiz ’21 is both a Ceramics and Women in Digital Art student. Her map allows people to search for all the tiny doors that have been placed across the community. Shawaker believes it is important for her students to use their art to bring enjoyment to others.

ARTS 25 Dance Team Kelsey Hills-Finucan ’04 Continues Its Winning Path Inducted into BW

SUA’s Dance Team placed first Athletic Hall of Fame in the large jazz and large pom categories at the Ohio Association of Secondary School Kelsey Hills-Finucan ’04 spent a lot of time on the volleyball Administrators (OASSA) “virtual” court at St. Ursula Academy, parlaying her skills into a D-III state tournament on March 13. college athletics opportunity. At Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio, her volleyball skills really took off. The first-place wins in jazz and pom mark the eighth Hills-Finucan was a four-year All-Ohio Athletic Conference consecutive year that the SUA (OAC) selection in volleyball and a team captain who earned Dance Team has taken the top All-American honors. ranking in these categories. These wins bring 19 state titles in For BW’s volleyball team, she holds the record as second the last eight years to the school. all-time in kills and seventh in digs and blocks. The OAC Freshman of the Year, two-time OAC Player of the Week, and Varsity Dance Team head three-time Academic All-OAC pick helped BW to an 88-43 coach Morgan Melchert said, record during her time with the team. “Every year, but especially this year, I’m incredibly proud of “In fall 2020, I was honored to be inducted into the Baldwin these young women. Through Wallace Athletics Hall of Fame for volleyball. Volleyball has a year full of uncertainty, been a huge part of my life since I was about 10 years old. It has change, and disappointment, taught me many life lessons, and I’ve made amazing friendships the team has worked just as along the way. hard as any other year. The dancers have learned resilience “I am very grateful for my time at SUA, as it helped to shape me and adaptability through this both athletically and academically. Playing at St. Ursula afforded process, and that the hard me the opportunity to work alongside extremely talented work is always worth it!” teammates and showed me what can be accomplished through teamwork and selflessness.” Breaking News at Deadline: The Dance Team earned Hills-Finucan works as an insurance broker with the Oswald second place in jazz and third Companies in Cleveland and resides in the area with her husband, place in pom at the National Jack, son, Johnny, and daughter, Molly. Competition! Congratulations, Dance Team, for placing in the top three in the country!

Arrow Booster Club Golf Outing

Monday, June 21, 2021 (time TBD) Legacy Golf Course, Ottawa Lake, Mich.

All proceeds will go toward the St. Ursula Academy Athletic Department. Watch your email for more details on time, sign-up procedures, and other information.

26 ATHLETICS ATHLETICS Athletic Signings 1 2

St. Ursula Academy is proud to announce the following 10 student-athletes from the Class of 2021 who signed National Letters of Intent on Nov. 11, 2020, and March 3, 2021.

1 ANNIE BENNETT CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY, CROSS COUNTRY 3 4

2 MOLLY DYNDA XAVIER UNIVERSITY, SWIMMING

3 ALY FINCH WHEELING UNIVERSITY, VOLLEYBALL

4 MEREDITH FOSTER NOTRE DAME COLLEGE, SOCCER

5 6 5 CAITLIN HEINZE UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO, SWIMMING

6 MARIE PANFIL DOMINICAN UNIVERSITY, BASKETBALL

7 EMILY SAVAGE LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY, BASKETBALL

8 CORINNE STANEART 7 8 EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, SWIMMING

9 MIRANDA SULLIVAN UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO, SOCCER

10 GABRIELLE WHITZEL LOURDES UNIVERSITY, BASKETBALL

SUA Athletic Director Mike Donnelly said, “St. Ursula Academy is excited to celebrate the 10 student-athletes who signed 9 10 National Letters of Intent so far this year. Their academic and athletic successes have enabled them the opportunity to continue their pursuits at the college level. We wish them the best of luck in college!”

AT SUA, MORE THAN 63 PERCENT OF STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN ATHLETICS.

ATHLETICS 27 SUA Remembers Sr. Kathleen

by MICHELLE MOSES, Special Events and Advancement Services Manager

A true educator, leader, and Ursuline historian, Sr. Kathleen Padden (also known as Sr. Gabriel) died on November 3, 2020, at 91.

Sr. Kathleen entered the Ursuline Community on January 27, 1950. Her teaching career began at St. Angela Hall in Toledo as a novice, then progressed to assignments at the elementary level at Our Lady Queen of the Most Holy Rosary Cathedral, Lima St. Gerard, and Perrysburg St. Rose. She continued her career at St. Ursula Academy for 28 years, serving as a teacher, an assistant principal, the principal, and the president. She also served the Ursuline Community as a council member and as the General Superior. Her most recent position was that of archivist.

Sr. Kathleen also served the greater northwest Ohio community as the assistant to the principal, Fr. John A. (“Arch”) Thomas, at Central Catholic High School. She was also the consultant for high schools as part of the Diocesan Schools Office.

In 1988, she took a sabbatical at the University of San Diego, then taught English conversation at Sei Urusuru Gakuin (St. Ursula High School) in Hachinohe, Japan. SUA maintains a relationship with the Hachinohe school, and SUA has enjoyed the students’ biannual visits (in pre-COVID times).

A “fun fact” about Sr. Kathleen is that she chose the Arrow as SUA’s team name and mascot.

Sr. Kathleen was an incredible leader and strong advocate for all- girls education and St. Ursula Academy. Her legacy lives on in the halls of SUA, and the SUA community greatly misses her.

28 ARROWS IN FAITH Arrows Get Creative with Service Projects by EMILY OTTO, Annual Fund Coordinator

While at SUA, students are required to engage in a variety of service projects. These acts of service are intended to expand a student’s awareness of those in need and develop skills in responding to their needs. A crucial part of the growth process is to reflect upon and write about the service completed. This reflection on the experience allows students to discover its impact on their personal life and to realize the joy and grace that God can bring to those who serve and to those who are being served.

The goals of SUA’s service requirements are the following: › To encourage students to see the value of service and the contribution they can make to society and the local community by following in the spirit of St. Angela Merici

› To broaden students’ vision of the work of social justice as modeled in the Scriptures

› To create a positive association and working spirit between SUA and local agencies serving those in need in the community

› To foster personal growth as the student uses her time, talent, and resources to serve others, and to encourage the student to find meaningful service using her individual and unique abilities and interests

During the pandemic, many of the traditional service projects were paused. However, students found creative ways to continue with service projects, including tutoring other SUA students, helping with the Toledo Labre Project (mostly working from home to assemble meal kits), and using Zoom to meet with agencies to assist with children’s needs, such as reading and homework assistance.

Service with a Smile Jakya Warren ’21 recently earned the 2020-2021 Ursuline Education Network Service Award after accumulating more than 1,000 hours at Kidz First Summer Camp as a camp leader. She has given of her time and talent, emulating the spirit of St. Angela, for the last several years. ARROWS IN FAITH 29 The Toledo Labre Project Perseveres through the Pandemic

by EMILY OTTO, Annual Fund Coordinator

The Toledo Labre Project has nimbly adapted to the current The food looks a little different these days; instead of hot pandemic and to new safety measures. St. Ursula Academy and casseroles, much of the food is now sandwiches made in people’s St. John’s Jesuit teams have continued to feed people, despite homes and delivered in individual lunch bags along with a drink, the challenges; in fact, Labre has not missed a single Monday something sweet, and a bag of chips—an easy solution to the new since the pandemic began. Even more important, Labre has only health standards made necessary by COVID-19. The food is still missed two Mondays in eight years, both because of Level 3 delicious and hearty. Some casseroles have reappeared in the past snow emergencies. few weeks and are now becoming part of the Monday offerings, as they were in the past.

“My constant gratitude goes to the many people in our school and Both students and adults have made in the SUA community who have supported Labre. Both students Labre what it is—a“ beautiful outreach and adults have made Labre what it is—a beautiful outreach to to the poor and a way to introduce the poor and a way to introduce our students to the realities of our students to the realities of poverty. poverty. Labre is always a group effort! From the sowing, weeding, and tending of the Labre garden to the countless hours of baking, MARK DUBIELAK, cooking, sandwich-making, and food serving, every task has Labre Moderator been a gift to help God’s people,” Mark Dubielak, SUA’s Labre Moderator, said. ”

“I learned from my parents to think ahead and save. When I think ahead, I want the opportunity for Catholic education to be available to others who Why I Give want it, but who might struggle to afford tuition. Working with St. Ursula, I was able to establish the Helfrich Family Scholarship Fund, which will fund scholarships for girls for years to come. Along with a gift to build and name the Helfrich Family Main Office, the scholarship was a good way for me to honor my family and show appreciation for my Catholic education.

Looking further ahead, I’ve designated St. Ursula Academy as a beneficiary in my estate plans. Each day, I pray in thanksgiving for my parents, my Catholic faith, and my Catholic education, and following [my parents’] encouragement to think ahead and save, I see my current support and my planned gift as a great way to tie those three blessings together.”

JANET HELFRICH ’64

Learn more about endowed scholarships, planned giving, or other ways to support girls at SUA by contacting Josh Yecke at [email protected] or (419) 329-2277.

30 ARROWS IN FAITH While One Ursuline Ministry Closes, Opportunities to Expand Another Ministry Open by MARY WERNER ’74, President

“While we are closing a ministry, we will never retire from After evaluating all possible options, the Sisters decided to mission.” Sr. Sandy Sherman, Ursuline Convent President, close the facility and lease the building to St. Ursula Academy. shared those words with SUA leadership when she announced Sr. Sandy shared, “This move will provide space for future the closing of the Ursuline Center of Toledo. The Ursuline generations and will preserve the Ursuline legacy and mission Center, adjacent to SUA, opened in 1985 as a private retirement through the lives of the young women SUA educates and forms home for the Sisters. It was eventually licensed and able, over in the spirit of St. Angela.” the years, to welcome members of other religious communities, diocesan priests, immediate family members of the Sisters, and While the Ursuline Center’s nursing home ministry will be Ursuline Associates. coming to an end, the Ursuline Sisters’ legacy and mission continues in the generations of young women who have been, and According to Sr. Sandy, the decision to close the Ursuline Center will continue to be, educated at St. Ursula Academy. The Ursuline was neither quick nor easy. “As Ursulines, we have always kept the Sisters have been an integral part of the St. Ursula Academy advice of our foundress, St. Angela Merici, before us when faced community for more than 166 years, and their impact has been with such decisions.” St. Angela writes, “If according to times and profound. The St. Ursula community prays for the Sisters, the circumstances, the need arises to...do something differently, do it residents, and the employees of the Center as they transition prudently and with good advice.” through these next several months.

ARROWS IN FAITH 31 WELCOME, NEW FRESHMEN! Members of the Class of 2025 have been accepted from the following schools:

All Saints CLASS OF 2025 Anthony Wayne Junior High Blessed Sacrament BY THE NUMBERS Christ the King Fassett Junior High - Oregon Genoa Homeschool Lake Middle School 79% CATHOLIC SCHOOLS Lial Maumee Valley Country Day School 14% Notre Dame Junior Academy PUBLIC SCHOOLS Ottawa Hills Junior High 7% Our Lady of Perpetual Help OTHER PRIVATE, CHARTER, Perrysburg Junior High AND HOMESCHOOL Regina Coeli LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS Springfield Middle School St. Aloysius St. Benedict St. Joan of Arc St. Joseph Parish School - Sylvania St. Patrick of Heatherdowns St. Pius X 21 Legacies St. Rose (MOM OR GRANDMA) St. Ursula Junior Academy Sylvania Public Arbor Hills Junior High McCord Junior High 23 Little Sisters Timberstone Junior High Toledo Christian Toledo Public Beverly Elementary Elmhurst Elementary Old West End Academy Toledo School for the Arts Trinity Lutheran Academic and Leadership Wildwood Environmental Academy 28 Scholarships awarded

32 ADMISSIONS A LETTER FROM Yolanda Robinson Durden ’86, Alumnae Engagement Coordinator

Greetings, fellow alumnae,

My first year back at SUA is completed, and I am so glad that—if I could be anywhere—I am here at SUA.

As I connect with you and reconnect you to our alma mater, know that the girls who walk these halls carry your spirit. I have learned that we are more alike than different. We all have had a unique student experience, and I pray that your alumnae experience will be even better. Your time, talent, and treasure are still needed in these halls. Wherever your path has led you, I hope you have been able to live a life of meaning, and whatever your story may be, I hope it confirms that you are not alone. I am an email or phone call away if you would like to learn how to get involved.

Until we connect, take care and be safe. In sisterhood, Yolanda Alumnae Engagement Coordinator [email protected] | (419) 329-2245

ALUMNA PROFILE Maryann retired to pursue her passion for education and volunteerism. She recently completed a 12-year post as a Hear Me Roar! trustee for the Woodlynde School, a private school in suburban Philadelphia that serves students who learn differently. For the past six years, Maryann has been Board Chair; in this position, Maryann O’Conor ’72 was one of the she initiated and completed an $11 million capital campaign that first generation of women to not transformed the campus. She led successful multi-year fund- only secure and excel at a career raising efforts and was a principal contributor. She oversaw the construction of a new student commons, learning centers, and in business, but also break the several classrooms. glass ceiling.

Her husband of 41 years, “She was a pioneer in a male-dominated Richard Deak—speaking world and was one of the women who for his humble wife—said broke down barriers to the benefit of she had a successful 36-year career in sales and marketing for generations of women to come.” Procter & Gamble, where she was RICHARD DEAK, husband associated for many years with top brands such as Covergirl and Olay. Maryann has also been a leader of the fund-raising efforts of “Maryann joined the sales organization of Procter & Gamble in her local library, as well as contributing her expertise to an 1977 at a time when women were only beginning to be accepted in international charity supported by Procter & Gamble alumni. the sales departments of major corporations. She was a pioneer in a male-dominated world and was one of the women who broke down Maryann advises and mentors young women who are considering barriers to the benefit of generations of women to come,” he said. careers in the business world.

ALUMNAE 33 SUA Receives $1 Million Planned Gift to Honor a 1960 Alumna

St. Ursula Academy has received a Bowne & Co. Inc. Short said, “She really enjoyed rubbing elbows pledge of a $1 million planned gift with some of the best and brightest minds in securities law.” in memory of SUA Class of 1960 valedictorian and Bishop’s Cross After her retirement, Nancy took on another completely different recipient Nancy Jean Fulop Short, challenge by enrolling in the New York School of Interior Design. who passed away in 2014. The gift, She wanted to combine her dual interests in art and interior established by Nancy’s husband, Bill design with her legal background to provide legal expertise to Short, will establish The Nancy Jean designers in New York City. Sadly, she passed away at age 72 Fulop Short Scholarship Fund before she could realize her vision. to support four full-tuition, merit- In every academic setting, Nancy excelled, but financial barriers based scholarships, one per each high necessitated that she receive full scholarships to attend each school grade, at St. Ursula Academy. institution. Bill said, “My wife was shaped by the four institutions After Nancy graduated from St. Ursula Academy, she went on to she attended—all of them on full scholarship. I’m struck by the Mary Manse College, where she graduated summa cum laude. role that the scholarships Nancy received played in her life and Nancy taught English literature, as well as high school art, in career.” Now, Bill would like to make the same opportunities the Toledo school system before she began a 30-year legal career possible for bright future SUA students. The Nancy Jean Fulop as an expert in securities law. She was awarded a J.D. from The Short Scholarship Fund will not be endowed, but rather spent University of Toledo College of Law, where she was first in her completely, over a generation, for merit-based scholarships. class, and an LL.M. from Yale Law School. “We are thrilled and honored by this extraordinary demonstration of support for our students and their future,” SUA President, Mary Werner, said. “Honoring the memory and legacy of Nancy We are thrilled and honored by this Short in this way provides opportunities for our bright students “extraordinary demonstration of support to experience this outstanding college prep education. All of us at for our students and their future. SUA express our deep appreciation to Bill Short for what will be an incredibly impactful gift.” MARY WERNER, SUA President ”

Nancy’s legal career was just as illustrious as her academic career. She began her legal profession teaching at Rutgers Law School, then moved into private practice in securities law at the Manhattan law firm of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meager & Flom. After practicing securities law for 10 years, Nancy moved into legal publishing at Matthew Bender, and she later retired from

Planned gifts—including will bequests and other estate gifts—are another growing source of support for St. Ursula Academy. They allow donors to create lasting philanthropic legacies while also maintaining control of their assets during their lives and providing tax advantages for themselves and their heirs. For more information on ways to make a difference through planned giving, contact SUA Director of Advancement Josh Yecke at [email protected].

34 ALUMNAE ALUMNA PROFILE Beyond Books: Library Employee Reaches out into Community

“The three most important places for individuals are their home, Outside of work, Erin’s community involvement includes their school or place of employment, and the place where they chairing the City of Toledo’s Human Relations Commission, feel most comfortable in their community.” Erin Baker ’98 where she supports Toledo residents working to overcome has worked to make sure the community surrounding the prejudice and build mutual respect through community and Kent Branch Library, part of the Toledo Lucas County Public neighborhood development, social justice, youth empowerment, Library (TLCPL) system and her previous work site, felt safe and violence prevention. She also received a 2020 “20 Under 40” and welcomed in her building. “The environment at Kent was Leadership Recognition Award. like a family. Everyone knew each other, and when someone was having a bad day, we worked to make their day better.” She always encouraged the staff and visitors of the branch to pursue opportunities to better themselves. So, when the position of Coordinator of Organizational Leadership for the library system came along, she could not deny her interest nor the advice of her branch family to “practice what she preached.”

Although it was a hard decision to consider leaving her Kent Branch family, Erin applied for and was chosen for the position. Her responsibilities leaped from a branch level to an organizational level, where she now provides leadership and coordinates with others to plan and implement various systems.

Erin honed her leadership skills while at SUA by participating in basketball and track, the Ambassador Society, the Afro Club, 2020 SUA and the National Honor Society. Erin holds a Bachelor of Arts in ALUMNAE NOMINEES communications and media studies from Northwestern University and a Master of Business Administration from the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame. ERIN BAKER ’98 The tides are changing at TLCPL for the betterment of the TOLEDO LUCAS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY community, thanks to Erin. Her academic background, along MELANIE CAMPBELL ’01 with her professional work experience in the community, CITY OF TOLEDO has led the organization to recognize the need to support the individuals who use provided services. KIMI RAE CHAPMAN ’99 Erin understands that being a part CALIFORNIA YOGA of the library system is “beyond EMILY CROAK ’08 books.” She has worked to make ALY STERLING PHILANTHROPY all branches safe spaces to have critical discussions. As neutral KELLY (KRUEGER) DANICKE ’07 locations, libraries can provide PROMEDICA spaces for community members SYDNEY (WILLIAMS) SPRAW ’01 to have informed conversations. DESIGNETICS SUA helped Erin grow her passion for community service in a way that has now benefited many.

As of March 2021, Erin was selected as the TLCPL Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Now, she will lead the organization in creating an equity, diversity, and inclusion plan that provides benchmarks, timelines, and specific action steps.

ALUMNAE 35 THE NONPROFIT TRACK: Working for the Common Good

by YOLANDA ROBINSON DURDEN ’86, Alumnae Engagement Coordinator

The daily grind can have an the swim team and took advantage of the few months, Tammi had convinced Ann upside: a nice paycheck. But many leadership opportunities she was to help her start a new foundation to sometimes people choose to given; she liked how it felt to be a leader. raise money for research and treatment. work in industries that offer more She also excelled in the classroom, earning With Tammi’s fundraising skills and intrinsic rewards—areas such as the valedictorian honors for her class. Ann’s strategic planning expertise, the non-profits, for example. These ChadTough Foundation was born. The high-intensity companies still After she graduated from SUA, Ann earned challenge was to change the zero percent a degree in Chemical Engineering put their employees through the survival rate for Chad’s kind of from Cornell University, then paces, but the rewards come in cancer. Anne felt, with God’s went to work for Procter & the form of helping others or help, it would be possible. raising money for research. It’s Gamble. She later earned an not surprising that many St. Ursula MBA from the University From what started by Academy graduates work in the of Southern California, helping a family beyond non-profit arena, as employees in with a focus on Marketing. the “meal prep train” and this sector have often spent years After that, she worked at offering 10 hours per week serving their community; it’s part Nestle for 10 years. of business consultation of who they are. has moved to a full-time job. Eventually, Ann had four children After working with a family whose and, as is seemingly mandatory for mothers son had diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma with small kids, she chaperoned a class trip (DIPG), an aggressive brain stem tumor, ANN CURSON to the Toledo Zoo one day. There, she met Tammi and Jason Carr (son of University the ChadTough organization decided FRIEDHOLM ’89 of Michigan football coach Lloyd Carr) and to merge with those working on DIPG their son, Chad. Ann and Tammi connected efforts and renamed the new group As a young girl, Ann Curson Friedholm ’89 well and eventually worked together on ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation, of already knew SUA might eventually be the several projects of similar interest. which Ann is the Chief Executive Officer. place for her, as she lived across the street The foundation has raised awareness of from the two-generation SUA family, the In September 2014, the Carrs found out childhood brain cancers and millions of Strassers. Once enrolled, Ann excelled on that Chad had a brain tumor. Within a dollars for research and treatment.

36 ALUMNAE Ann is in a unique position because her LISA STRASSER girl into an Arrow driven by leadership, passion is supporting families that have sportsmanship, and friendship. She gone through a life-changing experience, yet KREBS ’92 credits her SUA friends with helping she has not had to face that situation herself. with that transformation. While at SUA, Lisa Strasser Krebs is the Executive But she feels she has made a difference in Lisa was heavily involved in Student Director of Girls on the Run of Northwest the lives of families who have had a child Council, French Club, Varsity Soccer, Ohio. She said she wanted to be part of diagnosed with brain cancer. Children have the organization because she “saw what an Latin Olympics, and the National Honor survived because of the work she has done. all-girls environment can do” during her Society. Being from a big Catholic family, Her efforts are allowing families to have years at SUA. Girls on the Run (GOTR) she always wanted to attend the University more time together than ever before. is a local non-profit organization dedicated of Notre Dame; her dream came true, and she majored in Marketing. Family has always been Ann’s number to creating a world where every girl knows one priority. She says the families she and activates her limitless potential and is After graduation, Lisa was hired at a Fortune meets have given her the confidence to free to boldly pursue her dreams. GOTR 20 company and spent 10 years in the go after leadership opportunities, and she works to inspire girls to be joyful, Chicago area before returning to encourages others to think as big as they healthy, and confident using Toledo. She knew that upon want. Her path showed itself—from SUA a fun, experience-based her return to Toledo she curriculum that creatively to corporate positions to consulting while “would need to reconnect integrates running. caring for her family. Ann knows the Lord with SUA.” has a plan for her life, and her only job is Lisa has faced some to follow it. Like the women in her challenges this past year family before her, Lisa because her organization has a heart for SUA. Her is based in schools, and daughter, a student in Only four extracurricular programs the Junior Academy, enjoys had to pause. Through her percent of cancer having her mom’s support as years of work and life experience, she finds her way through activities research funds she knew there would be a light at the end and club participation at school. Lisa is a are earmarked of the tunnel, though. GOTR recently member of the SUA Board of Trustees, as for childhood hosted its annual in-person 5K Run at Levis Commons in Perrysburg, Ohio. well as the Advancement and Diversity, cancers, and only Equity, and Inclusion committees of the Lisa is from a long line of SUA women. Board. “I love the benefits of a single-sex one percent of Her Arrow roots run deep with her education, and I love it when I get the that money is grandmother Mary (Nunnhold) Boyer opportunity to be an advocate for SUA in ’34, mother Patricia ’63, aunts Sharon the community. The Ursuline sisters are specifically used ’58 and Mary ’68, along with her sister still a respected part of my experience, and for brain cancer Lori ’86, all attending the school. Coming because of what they’ve done, the Spirit research. from a Sylvania junior high school, Lisa remains present in the halls of SUA.” transitioned from a quiet and studious

ALUMNAE 37 CLASS NOTES

’66 Melissa (Gase) Sass ’66 is living her best life in retirement. She ’94 and her husband reside in North Dakota, about 2.5 hours from the Kerry (Jensen) Trautman ’94 capital of Bismarck, on 40 acres with her family of animals: 10 cats, has published two dogs, two horses, three miniature donkeys, 50 sheep, 12 goats, her fourth book of poetry, To Be Nonchalantly and three llamas. Melissa had worked with the disabled community Alive. It is available on Amazon.com or through for many years, living in places like Rhode Island and Florida, but the publisher, Kelsay Books. now is devoted to her animals. This one-time “city girl” has settled into country living at its finest. ’95 ’80 In January 2021, Rebecca Piazza ’95 joined the Biden-Harris In the summer of 2020, Lori Kasher ’80 Administration as a Senior Advisor for Delivery in the Office of the was a Contact Tracer and Nurse Investigator Undersecretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services at the for the Rhode Island Department of USDA. She is a part of a team responsible for managing programs Health, investigating day care/camps and such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special adolescent detention centers. In fall 2020, Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children she went back to teaching pediatric clinical (WIC), and the National School Lunch Program to help increase simulation and taking classes for her access to nutrition assistance and expand access to healthy foods. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree in nursing so she can teach full time at a college or university. ’00 Sara Streicher ’00 has made a name for herself in Hollywood— she’s currently a writer on Amazon Prime’s The Wilds, which premiered ’90 in Dec. 2020. Prior to that, she was a writer on Netflix’s Daredevil. Rachael (Sweeny) Baldwin ’90 has been with Aly Sterling Philanthropy since 2013 and has been the lead in branding and ’07 marketing, as well as in fundraising communications practice. After graduating from the University of Toledo (UT) in 2011 with Currently, she is the Vice President; in this role, she manages business a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business development and assists with growing corporate social responsibility and a minor in French, Nancy Magginis ’07 earned her MBA service line. in Marketing and Leadership from UT in 2013. She pursued her interest in the French culture to better understand and communicate Julie E. (Payne) Bloemeke ’90 was nominated for the 2021 in French in the business world; she also studied abroad in France and Georgia Author of the Year in the category of Poetry–Full-Length for eventually completed a second bachelor’s degree in French Language her piece, “Slide to Unlock.” The winner will be announced in June and Literature in 2015. Nancy continued her education and earned 2021. Past winners include Jimmy Carter, John Lewis, and Sandra a Juris Doctorate from University of Toledo School of Law in 2018. Meek. Julie was also named Third Outstanding Finalist for her work, She recently became an Assistant Public Defender in the Toledo “After Rousseau’s ’The Dream,’ Museum of Modern Art, 2016” in the Municipal Court (Housing Court)/Maumee Municipal Court (Lead). 2020 Fischer Prize Winners. She will be reading for National Poetry Month in April for the LOGOS Collective. ’08 Emily Croak ’08 was named Vice President of Aly Sterling ’93 Philanthropy (ASP) in January 2021. ASP is a consulting firm that Jennifer (Williams) Dorsey ’93 became the Assistant District works with nonprofits across the country, helping them to further Counsel for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Dallas-Fort Worth, their missions and impact. Emily has been with the firm for three Texas, in August 2020. years. “Working with nonprofits that are driving real change in their communities is incredibly fulfilling work; I feel lucky to have found a role where my skillset and passion aligned.”

38 ALUMNAE ’09 ’13 Tiffany Akeman ’09 recently accepted the position as Director of Lauren Poellnitz ’13 graduated in May 2020 from the University Admissions at the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life of Dayton with a Master of Science in Materials Engineering. Sciences. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Ohio Digital Learning School. Tiffany is participating as a 2021 Woman of the Year candidate for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for the Toledo region. ’14 She also works throughout the year to advocate for the National Multiple Alaina Durden ’14 was admitted to the University of Toledo College Sclerosis Society by helping with events such as Toledo Walk MS, Bike to of Medicine and Life Sciences in August 2020. She is currently the the Bay, and her family’s own “Strike Out MS” bowling event. president of the Student National Medical Association, vice-president of Student to Student, a Sports Medicine Club Med 1 representative, ’10 and an Orthopaedic Club member. Megan Gallagher ’10 has been invited to join Linklaters Americas, a global law firm, as a 2021 summer associate in its London office. She will be working with the firm’s US transactional groups. Megan graduated in 2014 from Loyola Marymount University with a Bachelor of Arts Charese Foster ’14 graduated with degree in English Language, Writing, and is currently working on a Juris her master’s degree in International Doctorate from Brooklyn Law School. She expects to graduate in 2022. Studies from the University of Denver in June 2020. ’11 Kristen Prahl ’11 has been assigned as SUA’s school resource office through the Toledo Police Department. She said, “I’m very excited to be back at St. Ursula working as a school resource officer. I am ’17 grateful to have the opportunity to return to my alma mater, and I look forward to working with staff and students.” Ireland Flores-Rae ’17 graduated in January 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Education and Promotion from Baldwin ’12 Wallace University. Tayler Belinske ’12 graduated in 2020 from Indiana University Maurer School of Law. She was recently hired as an Associate Attorney at Thomas Quinn, LLP, in Chicago.

Mary Gibbons-Georgevich ’12, a chaplain at Mercy Health— St. Anne Hospital in Toledo, has had to fulfill her role in unusual ways in this year of the pandemic. While she still offers spiritual and emotional support to patients and her colleagues at the hospital, this year she has had to facilitate phone and video calls among family members regularly, something she never expected in her career of being so physically and emotionally connected to patients. “I’ve had families on Zoom as their loved ones are very sick, and we sit Join SUA’s LinkedIn group, “Alumnae of St. Ursula outside the [glass doors of the ICU] and talk.” Gibbons-Georgevich Academy, Toledo,” to network with other reports that she feels much more optimistic these days as COVID-19 alumnae and learn about upcoming SUA events numbers decrease. “We feel a glimmer of hope right now,” she said. and professional development presentations.

ALUMNAE 39 IN MEMORY OF OUR ALUMNAE JUNE 1, 2020 - MARCH 31, 2021

Grace (Karshner) Sattler ’41 Joyce (Fels) Brondes ’56 Mother of Marcia (Sattler) Richard ’71 and Mary (Sattler) Miller ’77 Sister of Sharon (Fels) Crystal ’54 and Darryl (Fels) Briscoe ’56

Lucille (Shea) Sullivan ’41 Mary (Jordan) Heil ’58 Sister of Kathleen (Jordan) Diller ’63 Rita (Fischbach) Hayes ’42 Mother of Christine (Sheline) Flynn ’60, Judith (Hayes) Patitucci ’72, Margaret (Wiles) McCready ’59 Michelle (Hayes) Bauer ’74, Marcia (Hayes) Rubini ’75 and Rita (Hayes) Yoder ’84 Mother of Tamara (McCready) Arndt ’83

Jeanne (Lehnert) Michaels ’42 Carol Ann (Mattimore) Murphy ’60

Carol (Lauer) Harms ’44 Mary Jo (O’Konski) Patke ’60 Sister of Kathy (O’Konski) Bucher ’68 Carol (Ryan) Heron ’44 Judith (Burkart) Hill ’62 Patricia (Carstensen) Bercher ’45 Lora (Mitchell) Meyers ’63 Phyllis (Norton) Kuznear ’45 Sharon (Gliatti) Zeberkiewicz ’63 Barbara (Czarnecki) Walker ’46 Karen (Kirsch) Kunz ’67 Mary (Magrum) Worchuck ’47 Lydia Allen ’68 Mother of Aimee Cole-Laramore ’88 Doris (Segan) Myers ’48 Colleen (Whelan) McGregor ’70 Barbara (Floyd) McGowan ’49 Sister of Joan (Whelan) VanAuken ’64 and Mary Sue (Whelan) Estes ’67 Mother of Meg (McGowan) Niehaus ’80 and sister of Dr. Nancy (Floyd) Harshman ’61 Kathy (Craver) Templin ’71 Sister of Linda (Craver) Buford ’70 Connie (Floyd) Ruth ’49 Mother of Sarah (Ruth) Travis ’90 Sharon (Edwards) Stengle ’72 Rita (Coon) Sabin ’49 Catherine (Schoen) Aldrich ’73 Sister of Peggy (Schoen) Gruber ’70, Mary Schoen ’75, Judy (Schoen) Thomas ’78, Marilynne (James) Webb ’50 and Martha “Marty” (Schoen) Grohnke ’80

Eleanor (Fuerst) Harms ’51 Susan (Petas) Doukides ’74 Sister of Marina (Petas) Wade ’81 Rosemary (Kline) Moore ’51 Lisa Mercurio-Schrickel ’74 Sister of Chris (Mercurio) Jones ’66, Melinda (Mercurio) Weiner ’68, and Margaret (Schnapp) Keller ’52 Shelley (Mercurio) Benore ’69 Sister of Patricia Schnapp ’54

Barbara (Hanudel) Rudnicki ’76 Suzanne (Brunner) Schroeder ’52 Mother of Angela (Rudnicki) Ludec ’12 Mother of Elizabeth (Schroeder) Preston ’76, Sally (Schroeder) Price ’80, Karen (Schroeder) Sledge ’83, sister of Mary Pat (Brunner) Birsen ’46 Michele Hamilton ’87 Peggy (Ankenbrandt) Cunningham ’53 Sister of Judith (Ankenbrandt) Yaklin ’55 Tanya Dorsey-Wiggins ’90

Verna (Davidson) Schwartz ’55 Jennifer (Rawson) Pizza ’93 Sister of Carrie Rawson ’89

40 ALUMNAE IN MEMORIAM JUNE 1, 2020 - MARCH 31, 2021

Susan Antkowiak, mother of Julie (Antkowiak) Harberson ’81, Daniel P. Lowry III, step-son of Molly (Higgins) Lowry ’87 Tracy (Antkowiak) Potts ’84, and Tammy (Antkowiak) Michalak ’87 Mary Lumbrezer, mother of Lois (Lumbrezer) Marvin ’71 and Bruce Aseltyne, father of Amy (Aseltyne) Carroll ’91 Joan (Lumbrezer) Faison ’77 Jackie Bass, mother of Mary Kay (Bass) Minder ’77 John Mackley, Jr., husband of Ann (Schira) Mackley ’65 Joseph Bauer, father of Julie (Bauer) Kniseley ’81 Walter McFarland, brother of Lois (McFarland) Smith ’61 Roland Beeler, father of Kathleen (Beeler) Baker ’72 James H. McGowan, father of Meg (McGowan) Niehaus ’80 and brother-in-law of Dr. Nancy (Floyd) Harshman ’61 Janet Beroske, sister of Mary Ann (Lavigne) Steinbaugh ’58 Don McKone, father of Suzi McKone ’04 Sam Botek, brother of Sandy (Botek) Brown ’67 Bernadette Meads, mother of Erin (Meads) Darah ’87 David Brunner, brother of Mary Pat (Brunner) Birsen ’46 Martha Egan Mollenkopf, mother of Ann (Mollenkopf) Wischmeyer ’81 Richard Burgin, Sr., father-in-law of Cynthia (Brown) Burgin ’75 Dorothy Murawa, mother of Charlene (Murawa) Donelan ’78, Donna (Murawa) John Calgie, father of Johanna (Calgie) Brancati ’93 and Katafias ’82, Mary (Murawa) Super ’85, Christine (Murawa) Foetisch ’87, Jacqueline (Calgie) Chandler ’98 Deborah (Murawa) McDonald ’88, Kathleen Murawa ’90, Gretchen Murawa ’94, John Carey, father of Elizabeth Carey ’93 and Maureen (Murawa) Karubas ’98 Lee Carter, Jr., father of Trina Carter-Matthews ’91 William Nachtrab, father of Marcia (Nachtrab) Rashley ’67 and Anne-Marie (Nachtrab) Ainsworth ’74 John (Jack) Chezek, father of Donna (Chezek) Posluszny ’70 James Nortz, brother-in-law of Sondra (Sommers) Nortz ’66 Paul Cousino, brother of Mary (Cousino) Matsumoto ’55 Rita Nowak, mother of Deborah (Nowak) Doak ’75 Margaret Deedman, mother of Sandra (Deedman) Zollweg ’69 James O’Connell, son of Debra (Wheeler) O’Connell ’76, brother of Michael J. Duckworth, brother of Mary Gloria “Daisy” (Duckworth) Davis ’68 Kelly (O’Connell) Rickey ’07 William Farmer, father of Colleen Farmer ’86 Thomas O’Connell, father of Joan (O’Connell) Periatt ’79 and Jeanne (O’Connell) Keeling ’83 Michele Flanagan, mother of Cierra Bourdeau ’23 Antoinette O’Connor, mother of Patricia O’Connor ’77 Robert Fowler, father of Anne (Fowler) Scott ’71 Roland Osterman, father of Marda (Osterman) Perrotta ’91 Robert Gantzos, father of Nonny (Gantzos) Wohl ’81 Sr. Kathleen Padden, OSU, (see article on p. 28) Ruben Garcia, father of Andrea Garcia ’97 Michael Paszkiet, father of Courtney Paszkiet ’06 Richard Garn, brother-in-law of Patricia (Babula) Garn ’73 Sharon Hoffman Patterson, mother of Raelyn (Patterson) Calendine ’87 Reynold Gerson, husband of Linda (Wannemacher) Gerson ’64 Sherry Petit, daughter of Sharon (Abel) Mackey ’56 Valentine Glinka, brother-in-law of Nancy (Szombati) Glinka ’61 Justine Pinkelman, mother-in-law of Alison (Malhoit) Pinkelman ’72 Roy Gonia Jr., father of Kelly (Gonia) Javorek ’86 and Tracy Gonia ’88 Paul Roshong, brother of Elaine (Roshong) Bender ’68 David Gottschalk, father of Kate (Gottschalk) Liebelt ’07 Bernard Rosplohowski, father-in-law of Tracy (Kawczynski) Rosplohowski ’92 John Graves, father of Lauren Graves ’15 Kenneth Rosplohowski, husband of Tracy (Kawczynski) Rosplohowski ’92 Robert Hannon, husband of Diane (Marciniak) Hannon ’64 Ethelmae Schimmel, mother-in-law of Mary Jean (Dixon) Schimmel ’65 Fredrick Henning, husband of Sharon (Duffey) Henning ’56 Patricia Schmidbauer, mother of Mary Schmidbauer ’83 Christopher Hensien, husband of Boo (Anderson) Hensien ’73; father of Molly (Hensien) Mann ’06, brother of Elizabeth (Hensien) Ogletree ’67, Mary Hensien ’72, Michael Shaw, father of Lauren Shaw ’26 Barbara (Hensien) Schlembach ’74, and Janice (Hensien) Lovell ’66; brother-in-law of Kathleen Anderson-Lubin ’72, Susan (Anderson) Nowak, ’76, Jane (Anderson) David Socha, father of Maribeth Socha ’96 and Catherine (Socha) Erwin ’00 Bechtel ’77, Amy (Anderson) Brodbeck ’80, and Sara (Anderson) Gradel ’82 Margaret Stengle, mother-in-law of Joyce (Murtagh) Stengle ’82 Jean Hohl, mother of Carolyn (Hohl) Hohenberger ’74 Ronald Streichert, husband of Sharon (Glazier) Streichert ’55 Dora Hornack, mother of Tracy (Hornack) Todak ’83 Dr. Gerald Sutherland, father of Noralyn Sutherland ’78 Russell Howard, father of Anapurna (Howard) Madrone ’86 Francis Szollosi, father-in-law of Melanie (Czubek) Szollosi ’95 James Inebnit, father of Jean Inebnit ’68 and Jane (Inebnit) Sutter ’68 Frederick Tank, brother of Frances (Tank) Sattler ’62 and Mary Jane (Tank) Burke ’64 Ellen Johnson, mother of Traci Johnson ’83 and Sabrina Johnson ’84 Irma Thomas, mother of Kimberly Thomas ’88 Frederick Joseph, brother of Barbara (Joseph) Fee ’67 Mike Thornton, brother of Connie (Thornton) Limes ’84 Stephen Kaptur, brother of U.S. Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur ’64 John Gregory Todak, son of Tracy (Hornack) Todak ’83 Dr. Thomas Klein, father of Kirsten (Klein) Dusseau ’89 Nancy Utrup, sister of Gloria (Utrup) Jefferds ’57 John Kornacki, father of Amanda Kornacki ’93 Scott Valiton, son of Sue (Waldeck) Valiton ’68 Donald Kress, father of Jenean (Kress) LaCorte ’95 Thomas Weisenburger, husband of Sandra (Szabo) Weisenburger ’57 Marietta Kruse-Wells, mother of Cynthia (Kruse) Wanamaker ’85 Richard West, husband of Constance (Koszycki) West ’60 Joan Kwiatkowski, mother of Sr. Barbara Kwiatkowski ’71 Jennifer Woods, daughter of Darlene (Lemle) Woods ’71 Norman Lehmann, brother of Betty Ann (Lehmann) Maraldo ’57

Robert Lemle, brother of Darlene (Lemle) Woods ’71 Please send news of an alumna’s or an alumna’s family member’s Vernon Links, father of Stephanie (Links) Brubaker ’89 death to Michelle Moses at [email protected].

ALUMNAE 41 ALUMNA PROFILE Keeping History Alive

When thinking back on St. Ursula students in urban schools, and she is conducting educational Academy, Kai Perry ’98 research at Yale University’s School of Medicine in the department remembers how well prepared of pediatrics. In addition, Kai is an adjunct professor at The she was for college when she University of New Haven. Kai’s greatest passion is evidenced by graduated. Although Kai has her work as a community organizer, including her time spent not lived in Toledo for many as a board member for both the Amistad and Telling Our Story years, she has fond memories (TOS), an after-school program for young Black people that of life in her Westmoreland teaches Black history not taught in schools. Kai works with neighborhood when people others in the sailing community to prioritize diversity, equity, and like Harry Belafonte, Maya inclusion in the sail training and Tall Ships community. Angelou, and James Baldwin often stopped in at her home.

Kai’s father, Dr. Robert L. Perry, was the first director of Bowling The Amistad Green State University’s Ethnic Studies Program/Center. The program provided multicultural education and improved racial La Amistad was a world-renowned slave ship balance in university course offerings. Kai’s mother, Dr. D. that sailed from Sierra Leone full of slaves to the LaRouth Perry, spent her career as an English teacher in a public Americas for many years. school system and taught in the Africana Studies Department at In the late 1990s, a group of people felt it was the University of Toledo. She was a community leader and an avid important to build a replica of the ship to socialite in northwest Ohio, as well as the founding director of educate the world about the notorious original the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo. Kai’s parents naturally Amistad. After years of fund-raising, on June 13, drew thought-leaders to their home, making visitors such as Maya 2000, the recreated Amistad sailed for the first Angelou commonplace in Kai’s world. time—this time, as a vessel for education.

While at SUA, Kai was a member of the swim team and the Afro “The Freedom Schooner Amistad transformed a ship of enslavement into a symbol of hope and Club. She also participated in the Drama Club, Spanish Club, a monument to the pursuit of universal human Concert Choir, a musical, the Science Fair, and Student Council. freedom. Today, the replica sails the world as a After graduation, she attended Hampton University, a historically continuation of that symbol and as a floating Black college and university (HBCU) in Hampton, Va. There, she classroom, reaching thousands of people every became the captain of the sailing team, which is the only Black year,” according to Amistad Committee, Inc. collegiate competitive sailing team in the country. After earning her degree in Psychology, she returned home. A summer weekend when the Tall Ships—large, traditionally-rigged sailing vessels such as topsail schooners and brigantines—docked in downtown Toledo changed the trajectory of Kai’s life. Her mom toured the Amistad replica (see sidebar) and noticed that there were no people of color on the crew. She told a tour guide that she thought it would be a good idea to have someone of color on the crew when the ships headed next to Detroit. The tour guide took her comment into consideration, and soon Kai was hired to work as a deckhand/educator aboard the Schooner Amistad as it sailed around the county. She made a difference in the lives of so many who heard the story of the slaves aboard the ship.

More recently, Kai has earned a master’s degree in Psychology from Southern Connecticut State University and is currently a doctoral candidate of Educational Psychology at The University of Connecticut. Her research focuses on the intersection of racial identity development and academic achievement among

42 ALUMNAE DONOR IMPACT In Remembrance of Sr. Kathleen Padden, OSU

Not only has the“ Sr. Kathleen Padden Scholarship allowed me to attend SUA, but it also helped me to continue to explore my Catholic faith and challenge myself with the courses SUA offers. Already, I can see the enormous impact this scholarship will have in preparing me for my future. Sr. Kathleen continues to be an inspiration to me, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunities her scholarship has provided.

JULIA REIMER ’24 ”

Learn more about the Sr. Kathleen Padden Scholarship, endowed scholarships, or other ways to support girls at SUA by contacting Director of Advancement Josh Yecke at [email protected] or (419) 329-2277. 43 ST. URSULA ACADEMY NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION 4025 Indian Rd. U.S. POSTAGE Toledo, OH 43606 PAID TOLEDO, OH PERMIT NO. 242

Find your Path Back to SUA this Summer

Reunion Weekend 2021 Alumnae Mass and Cocktail Reception Saturday, June 26, 2021 4:00 p.m. Mass 5:00-6:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception

This year, we will recognize Honor Year classes ending in ’0, ’1, ’5, and ’6, as our reunion last year had to be postponed. We will have all activities outside at St. Ursula Academy, weather permitting. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regulations limit attendees per COVID-19 rules, so please RSVP quickly to reserve your spot!

Visit the SUA website for more details on individual class reunions.

Contact Michelle Moses at [email protected] or (419) 329-2253 with any questions.

We look forward to seeing you there!

WWW.TOLEDOSUA.ORG | (419) 531-1693